​about

whO?

John T. "Jay" White, EdD --
Principal

John T. "Jay" White is a Gerontologist with an extensive background in topics related to person-centered care, culture change and diversity throughout the long-term care continuum. Previously, Dr. White worked in the non-profit and tourism/economic development fields.

Dr. White earned his Master of Science in Gerontology and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University where he also served as the Director of Professional and Community Development for VCU's Department of Gerontology.

​Dr. White serves on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Culture Change Coalition and the Senior Center of Greater Richmond. In 2016, Dr. White was appointed by Governor Terry McAuliffe to the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority. He has authored and co-authored textbook chapters, articles and presented widely on topics including: Connectivity and Aging, Organizational Diversity, LGBT and Aging, Aging in Place, Nutritional Needs of Older Adults, Evaluating Depression and Dementia and Person-Centered Care and Culture Change.

Dr. White and his partner, Chris, live in Old Church, Virginia and spend much of their free time with their 8 rescue animals; 6 cats and 2 dogs.

whY?

My grandmother was as independent as they come. Nanny raised three children (two Irish twins), worked in a garment factory and then as a housekeeper at Sweet Briar College. Her story is familiar to many women who grew up and aged in rural Virginia. She worked hard, had a 50+ year marriage, was surrounded by family and friends and a strong faith community.

With the death of my grandfather, her youngest daughter and the challenges of aging in a rural setting, my grandmother moved closer to family. Driving was becoming more challenging with unfamiliar roads and longer distances to and from church activities and lifelong friends on "The Hill." Her 20 year old car gave out and was replaced with a newer, strange vehicle. The connections to the friends, family and familiar routines to which Nanny had grown accustomed, decreased.

Then she fell in her new townhome. A broken hip. And thus began the spiral of the long-term care continuum and continued disconnection from familiar surroundings. A hospital room. A rehab facility. An assisted living facility. A skilled nursing facility. Delirium from the general anesthesia and other anti-cholinergic medications. Further isolation from familiar networks. Two years of watching her become more confused and agitated, as the tedium of the medical model allowed her brain to disengage. When she passed away, my grandmother left a legacy that was so much more than her final two years.

Our elders deserve so much more than to be, as Maggie Kuhn most aptly said, "condemned to obsolescence." And Maya Angelou said, "When you know better, you do better." And this is why I do what I do.

--John T. "Jay" White, EdD, MSG, CDP​CommonHealth Partners

WHAT?

builderS

We build to last. And our constructions remain flexible to allow for growth and recalibration.

educatorS

We believe in education and its immense powers to institute culture change. And as such, we deliver effectively across academic and cultural barriers.

communicatorS

Effective communication is what we do - be that through carefully structured plans, visually appealing slides or thorough reports.

resourceful

CommonHealth Partners brings together resources from diverse communities that represent over two decades of work throughout Central Virginia - all these are made available to you!

marketerS

Viral marketing is still the most effective form of advertising. When coupled with our strategically designed marketing plans, the business gains the right staying power!

fundraisING

We have the knowledge and ability to help you develop strong fundraising solutions and campaigns.